Medicine Hat Media

Flood Updates (Complete Listing)

*UPDATED June 21st*

There has been a huge amount of press releases coming out from the city regarding the flooding issues around and in Medicine Hat, below are a complete archive of all of the releases so far (listed newest first):

June 20th – 2:50PM – Flood Status Update #2

An update received from Alberta Environment indicates that the Medicine Hat area can expect rain starting tonight and continuing for most of tomorrow. Approximately 40 to 50 mm is expected.

The rain will cause the water flow levels of the creeks to increase to the maximum levels reached on Saturday. The South Saskatchewan River is currently cresting and the impact of the rain on the river in Medicine Hat will not been seen for a couple of days.

Residents are reminded to follow all road and park closure signs. At this time Police Point, Kin Coulee and Strathcona parks remain closed. Although the water may have receded in some areas, a safety concern still exists until crews have had time to clear debris and conduct proper safety assessments. A complete list of road closures is posted on the City of Medicine Hat website.

Residents affected by evacuation are being advised not to return to their homes at this time. The situation remains uncertain as the impact of the rain is unknown. Prior to returning to their homes they are encouraged to contact Alberta Health Services at 403-502-8205 for information about safety precautions to follow. In addition safety code inspections should be conducted. A complete list of service providers that home owners should consult prior to returning to their homes will be posted on the City of Medicine Hat website Monday.

Due to the road closures, the City will be making necessary adjustments to the transit routes. Once alternative routes have been determined, maps will be posted on the City website or residents can call 403-529-8214 more for information.

The Evacuation Centre will close tonight but will remain on standby to reopen if necessary.

The Volunteer Centre will remain open until 10:00 pm tonight and anyone interested in volunteering can call 403-502-8565 to register.

June 20th – 11:30AM – City Parkade Closed

Residents are advised that the City Hall parkade will be closed until further notice. All traffic is asked to use downtown city lots and the Transit Terminal.

June 20th – 11:20AM – Flood Status Update

  • Water levels – South Saskatchewan River continues to rise. It is estimated that water levels will reach a maximum height around noon or afternoon today
    • Ross Creek – water levels are falling
    • Seven Persons Creek – water levels are currently falling but due to increase output from the St Mary’s irrigation district may increase again
  • Weather – AB Environment is predicting a possibility of 50 – 70 mm of rain today.
  • Evacuations – Approximately 600 homes were canvassed on Saturday. Residents were advised to take voluntary evacuation measures. An evacuation centre has been established at the Stamped Ball room at the Exhibition Grounds were residents can attend if necessary. ( approx 44 families utilized to date)
  • Drinking Water – Drinking water in the City of Medicine Hat is fine. There are a few properties in the Ross Creek area where we are taking some precautionary measures. These properties had notices posted on their doors on Saturday evening, with specific precautionary measures outlined. There were less than 100 affected properties.
    • In this area of the 100 affected properties, the City will be flushing and testing and the residents will be notified again in writing, once water is confirmed clear for consumption. This process will take 3-4 days once flood water has receded and City crews can access the area to start the flushing operation
    • Information for these residents is also available on City of Medicine Hat website
  • Cypress County has some drinking water issues in some of their communities. There have been some boil advisories issued in the County – but there is no boil water advisory in the City of Medicine Hat.
  • Road Closures – An update map outlining road closures is available on the City of Medicine Hat website.
    • The bridge at Ross Creek and Hwy 41 A is out of service.
    • The bridge at Sholton Hill is presently closed but is anticipated to be re-opened later today. When this occurs residents will updated.
    • The City will continue to monitor road closures and remind residents to stay out of barricaded areas. Although the water may have receded City crews will need to clean off debris and assess the safety prior to reopening the affected areas. The same message for City Parks! Residents are being asked to stay away from posted areas until further notice
  • Parks – Residents are reminded to stay out of posted areas. It is anticipated that Police Point Park will be closed at some point today due to rising river levels affecting the path system.
  • Transit Routes- Due to the road closures, the City will be making necessary adjustments to the transit routes tomorrow. Transit maps will be posted on the City website or residents can call 403-529-8214 more for information.
  • Utilities – Utilities have been turned off to approximately 43 homes. City crews have been assessing the situation and will be working to restore services to those affected
  • FLOOD INFO LINE 403-502-8900 / Evacuation Centre 403-528-6939 / Transit Route Updates 403-529-8214 / Volunteer Center 403-502-8565 – call to register
  • Information updated on City of MH website @ www.medicinehat.ca

June 19th – 8:50PM – Road Closures

There are a number of road closures in the Medicine Hat area due to flooding and unsafe conditions.

Please view the attached maps for details.

Map #1

Map #2

Map #3

June 19th – 8:30PM – Gas Disconnects

The City of Medicine Hat Gas Utility Department would like to remind residents in areas affected by the flood to check their mailboxes for a notice of disconnect.

If you did receive a notice, please follow the instructions carefully. The Gas Utility Department will do it’s best to restore your service as soon as possible.

June 19th – 8:20PM – Safety Concerns

Residents of Medicine Hat are urged to use caution in many areas of the city.

Fast moving water can prove to be dangerous to pedestrians, cyclists and pets. Please stay away from river and creek beds as they can be unstable.

Emergency crews are working in flood damaged areas throughout the city and for everyone’s safety, residents are asked to avoid these areas.

Traffic slowing down to observe activities and water flows are also a concern, as this creates a traffic hazard.

Residents are also strongly advised to stay well away from the top and bottom of escarpments throughout the city.

June 19th – 1:00PM – Flood Update

Residents are strong advised to stay well away from the top and bottom of escarpments in the city.

Power is off on the east side of Medalta Ave to Ross Creek.

An Evacuation Centre has been established. The telephone number there is 403-528-6939

For your own safety, please stay off the closed trails.

A declaration of a Sate of Local Emergency has been declared. (VIEW PDF)

The Flood Information line is 403-502-8900.

City crews are currently visiting a further 220 residences in the Flats advising them to evacuate the area. This includes homes in the lower Flats, bordering Strathcona Park and in the vicinity of Ross Creek and Seven Persons Creek.

June 19th – 7:00AM – Flood Watch Update

Local flooding has taken place in the Flats area. Some roads in the Flats are closed. Power has been restored.

The Evacuation Centre has been established at the Stampede Ballroom.

Sholten Hill is closed to traffic.

The Emergency Operations Centre has been declared operational by Chief Ron Robinson.

Flows of 2800 cubic meters per second are anticipated to be reached by mid-day today.

Residents are urged to watch for fast moving water, to avoid driving through water and to stay away from river and creek banks.

A 24 hour flood watch information line has been established. The number to call is 403-502-8900.

Updates will be made as information becomes available.

June 19th – 6:20AM – Flood Watch Update

Local flooding and power outages have taken place in the Flats area. All roads in the Flats area are now closed.

The Evacuation Centre has been established at the Stampede Ballroom.

The Emergency Operations Centre has been declared operational by Chief Ron Robinson.

Flows of 2800 cubic meters per second are anticipated to be reached by mid-day today…

Residents are urged to watch for fast moving water, to avoid driving through water and to stay away from river and creek banks.

A 24 hour flood watch information line has been established. The number to call is 403-502-8900.

Updates will be made as information becomes available.

June 18th – 8:00PM – River Flow Estimates Update

New Environment Canada estimates show significant increases in the South Saskatchewan River flow in Medicine Hat by midnight tonight.

Flows of 2800 cubic meters per second are anticipated to be reached by mid-day Saturday.

Residents are urged to watch for fast moving water, to avoid driving through water and to stay away from river and creek banks.

A 24 hour flood watch information line has been established. The number to call is 403-502-8900.

June 18th – 6:40PM – River Flow Estimates

New Environment Canada estimates show significant increases in the South Saskatchewan River flow in Medicine Hat by midnight tonight.

Flows of 2800 cubic meters per second are anticipated to be reached by mid-day Saturday.

Residents are urged to watch for fast moving water, to avoid driving through water and to stay away from river and creek banks.

June 18th – 4:00PM – Travel and Flood Update

Residents should be aware of closures in the City of Medicine Hat. The low level crossing on South Boundary Road is closed and a detour has been placed at 23 Street by Brier Park Place and 10 Ave.

In the parks area, closures include the creek at Seven Persons Creek from Dunmore Road S.E to Lions Park, the trail at Ajax Coulee from Bullivant Cres. to Kin Coulee Park, and Seven Person Creek overflow tunnel from Kin Coulee Park to Saamis Archeological Site.

Residents are reminded to stay away from river and creek banks.

A High Streamflow Advisory has been issued by Alberta Environment for the South Saskatchewan River including the City of Medicine Hat. This means that stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low lying areas is possible. Anyone situated close to the streams affected is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.

A Flood Watch has been issued by Alberta Environment for all tributaries flowing north out of the Cypress Hills. This means that rising stream levels will result in flooding of areas adjacent to the streams affected. Anyone situated close to the river should take appropriate measures to avoid flood damage.

All secondary roads south of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Dunnmore are unsafe to travel and are closed. The Trans-Canada Highway from the Saskatchewan border to Highway 41 is also closed.

Medicine Hat and Cypress County Emergency Management will issue a further updates as information becomes available.

June 18th – 10:40AM – Travel and Flood Advisory

With the recent rain fall, Medicine Hat and Cypress County Emergency Management staff are monitoring the water levels in the region.

A High Streamflow Advisory has been issued by Alberta Environment for the South Saskatchewan River including the City of Medicine Hat. This means that stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly and no major flooding is expected. Minor flooding in low lying areas is possible. Anyone situated close to the streams affected is advised to be cautious of the rising levels.

A Flood Warning has been issued by Alberta Environment for all tributaries flowing north out of the Cypress Hills. This means that rising stream levels will result in flooding of areas adjacent to the streams affected. Anyone situated close to the river should take appropriate measures to avoid flood damage.

All secondary roads south of the Trans-Canada Highway east of Dunnmore are unsafe to travel and are closed. The Trans-Canada Highway from the Saskatchewan border to Highway 41 is also closed.

Medicine Hat and Cypress County Emergency Management will issue a further update this afternoon.

The Government of Alberta through the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency is in the process of determining if a Disaster Recovery Program is warranted. If you are experiencing overland flooding or seepage into your home or business, please contact your insurance company to determine if it is covered by your insurance policies. If your insurance does not cover overland flooding or seepage, then contact the City Clerk Department (Debby) at 403-529-8115 to commence the initial steps in the process.

If you are concerned about water levels on your property and would like more information, visit www.medicinehat.ca and follow the links from City Government to Departments. Click on Emergency Management and then click the Flood Information heading on the left menu. Or, call the City of Medicine Hat Emergency Management general inquiry line 403-502-8712.

With the recent rain fall, Medicine Hat and Cypress County Emergency Management staff are monitoring the water levels in the region. While some localized flooding has occurred, major flooding is not expected as the South Saskatchewan River has capacity to handle the additional flow.

June 17th – 3:40PM – High Streamflow Advisory

“At this time, the water levels within City limits on the South Saskatchewan River are well within the capacity of our banks,” said Chief Ron Robinson, Medicine Hat Fire Service.

Medicine Hat and Cypress County Emergency Management staff will continue to monitor the water levels and provide information as it becomes available.

Residents situated close to the streams affected are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures.

The Government of Alberta through the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency is in the process of determining if a Disaster Recovery Program is warranted. If you are experiencing overland flooding or seepage into your home or business, please contact your insurance company to determine if it is covered by your insurance policies. If your insurance does not cover overland flooding or seepage, then contact the City Clerk Department (Debby) at 403-529-8115 to commence the initial steps in the process.

If you are concerned about water levels on your property and would like more information, visit www.medicinehat.ca and follow the links from City Government to Departments. Click on Emergency Management and then click the Flood Information heading on the left menu. Or, call the City of Medicine Hat Emergency Management general inquiry line 403-502-8712.

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